Make: Deutsche Waffen-und Munitionsfabriken (DWM)
Model: "American Eagle", Model 1900 Parabellum-Pistole Luger
Serial Number: 5554
Year of Manufacture: Ca. 1900-1901
Caliber: 9mm Luger (7.65mm Luger Barrel But Bored Out To 9mm)
Action Type: Toggle-Action Semi-Automatic Striker-Fired Pistol fed by Detachable Magazine with Grip-Safety (no magazine included)
Markings: Serialized parts are matching "54" or "554". The front of the frame is marked "5554 / GERMANY". The underside of the barrel is marked "5554". The toggle is marked "DWM" in script. The top of the chamber is marked with the American Eagle. Both grip panels are marked "54".
Barrel Length: 4.75"
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a blade dovetailed to a banded base fixed to the muzzle. The rear sight is a "V"-notch integral to the rear toggle link.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The grip panels are two-piece checkered wood. The grips have faint handling wear. There are a couple of minor nicks, most notable on the left panel toward the top-front. The checkering is well defined. There are no chips or cracks. Overall, the grips are in about Excellent condition.
Type of Finish: Blue and Straw
Finish Originality: Refinished
Bore Condition: The bore is mostly bright and the rifling is sharp. There is infrequent minor erosion in the bore. In this writer's opinion, the bore rates 8/10.
Overall Condition: This pistol retains about 98% of its current metal finish. The finish is lightly thinning at some edges. The action shows minor operational wear. Otherwise, there are only light handling marks. The screw heads are sharp. The markings are clear. Overall, the pistol is in about Excellent condition as refinished.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. We have not fired this pistol. As with all previously owned firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance standards.
Box, Paperwork & Accessories: None. Please note, no magazine is included.
Our Assessment: The DWM Model 1900 "American Eagle" Luger represents one of the earliest commercial variants of the Luger pistol, produced for export to the United States at the turn of the twentieth century. Marked with the American Eagle crest on the chamber, these pistols were part of the initial introduction of the Luger design to the American market and helped establish its reputation for precision and innovative engineering. The Model 1900 features the early flat recoil spring system, dished toggle knobs, and a grip safety, reflecting the original configuration prior to later design refinements. Chambered in 7.65mm Parabellum, the cartridge for which the Luger was originally designed, these pistols are closely tied to the earliest development of semi-automatic handgun technology.
This example retains matching serialized components and has been refinished, retaining about 98 percent of its new blue and straw finish with only minor operational wear and a little edge-thinning. The checkered wood grip panels remain in Excellent condition. The barrel has been bored out for use of 9mm cartridges, but the barrel profile was intended for use with .30 Luger. The pistol should be inspected by a qualified gunsmith to determined what loads, if any, may be safe to fire in this pistol. Overall, this pistol presents as an attractive refinished example of an early American Eagle Luger from the earliest years of production. Please see our high definition photos and good luck on your bids!
